This month, we are highlighting team member Michael Brathe, who is an application engineer based out of our CCTY Europe facility in Schwebheim, Germany. Since joining CCTY nearly two years ago, he has been heavily focused on motion control solutions for chassis.
What sparked your interest in engineering, and how did you come to specialize in chassis applications and rolling bearings?
My interest in engineering was sparked by a fascination with physics and a passion for solving technical problems, which began during my school years. This early enthusiasm led me to pursue a career in mechanical engineering. In my initial years in the industry, I had the opportunity to work on designing vehicle components, which steered me towards specializing in chassis applications and rolling bearings. I was fortunate to be able to focus on addressing customer challenges related to rolling bearings. Even after several years in the bearing field, I find that there are always new details to learn, and I continue to discover something new each day.
You have worked on many different chassis projects. Can you share a time when a custom bearing solution significantly improved a customer’s chassis design?
Our profession is dedicated to alleviating customer pain points and developing effective solutions. For instance, one of our customers, who manufactures axles, was previously purchasing standard ball bearings, radial shaft seals, and O-rings separately, and then assembling these components into a metal sleeve before attaching it to the axle. We innovated by developing a bearing that integrates all these components into a single unit. This solution has significantly reduced the customer’s assembly efforts, minimized the total number of components, and streamlined their processes.
What’s a common misconception about rolling bearings in chassis applications, and how do you educate customers on the best solutions?
The bearing type used in chassis applications is not always the best option for specific needs. Often, the choice of bearing type is influenced by habit or purchasing strategies and is not thoroughly evaluated. We assist customers in reconsidering their bearing type selection. For instance, plain bearings may be a better solution than rolling bearings for kingpin applications, depending on load and required resistance. Similarly, full bronze bushings can be replaced with bi-metallic bushings for various axle applications. Our goal is to find the optimal solution for each customer by carefully studying their application.
How do you like to collaborate with OEMs to develop custom bearing solutions that improve performance and durability?
Collaborating with OEMs offers numerous advantages. We can spread our knowledge in motion control solutions and help the customer to push forward their projects. OEMs work in a very professional way and have very well-structured processes. We can challenge ourselves every day by working with OEMs and offering the best possible support. Also, we can learn something new each day from our OEM customers regarding their processes and requirements. By attentively listening to their needs, we can explore possibilities for simplifications and new product developments.
What advice would you give to OEM engineers when selecting bearings for heavy-duty chassis applications?
Many products for heavy-duty applications are designed conservatively. For instance, ball joints for chassis applications often feature steel-to-steel contact, which was the standard several years ago. Today, various friction materials are available that reduce friction, wear, and noise while enhancing the precision and lifespan of ball joints. By optimizing friction contact, many chassis components can be reduced in size. Additionally, using alternative friction materials instead of pure bronze for components like bushings can significantly lower costs. It is essential for OEMs to embrace innovation and question existing designs.
What do you enjoy most about working at CCTY, and how has your experience shaped the way you approach engineering challenges?
CCTY offers a wide range of motion control solutions to customers, satisfying their needs with our diverse product variety and specialized application knowledge. During my time at CCTY, I have gained extensive knowledge and continue to learn and challenge myself. Over the past decades, CCTY has developed significant product expertise, and my colleagues generously share their knowledge with me. I can fully rely on their support as we approach new customers and markets together. My experience with various customer applications enables me to anticipate and identify which designs and products will be most beneficial for our customers.
To learn more, visit: www.cctygroup.com/key-markets/heavy-truck-bearings
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